Sao Paulo is well connected with Rio de Janeiro. You can get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car.
Sao Paulo, the largest Brazilian city and one of the most dynamic places in Latin America, might just be one of the best-kept secrets in this beautiful country!
It is undoubtedly one of the most cosmopolitan cities that you can visit! São Paulo’s culture is colorful and vibrant, with perhaps some of the region’s best music and dining options.
Many museums, theaters, and attractions in the city are sure to impress any traveler. You’ll find national monuments like the Pacaembu Stadium and many other interesting sights.
If you are interested in architecture, this is the place to be! The city offers a mix of historic buildings in its downtown area with more modern ones on its periphery. You’ll have a fantastic view over the city’s skyline in both cases, especially during sunset!
And we can’t forget to mention that there are also many cultural events that take place throughout the year!
São Paulo is a hidden gem of South America, and it’s time for you to discover its authentic charm! Check out our detailed guide about transportation in Brazil.
Traveling between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo is easy, and you can choose between a bus, private transfer, flight, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo.
How far is Sao Paulo from Rio de Janeiro?
The distance from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo is 296.2 miles or 433.3 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
The following table outlines all transportation options from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo:
Getting to Sao Paulo from Rio de Janeiro
1. Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
Journey Duration: 5.5-6.5 hours
Buses are the first and most popular mode of transportation for getting between these two popular Brazilian locations! You can get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo for only USD 19, or get a slightly more expensive ticket and boost your comfort level!
Buses take about 6.5 hours to travel from Rio to Sao Paulo, and since most of them travel at night, so you won’t have to spend the majority of the following day on the bus.
There are many daily departures at any time of day and night, so you can easily adapt to the schedules and not miss your trip!
The journey is relatively long, but all the buses are in excellent condition, even the least expensive ones! Therefore, you should be able to have an easy and smooth trip.
So, pick a bus, choose the time and book your tickets from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo now!
How much does a bus from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo cost?
A bus from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo costs USD 18-USD 60.
Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo Economy Bus Schedule
Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo 120 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo 140 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo 160 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule
Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo 180 Reclining Seats Bus Schedule

2. Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
Journey Duration: 6 hours
In addition to taking the standard bus, you can also book a private transfer to get from Rio to Sao Paulo and get there quickly!
A private transfer is ideal if you want this long journey from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo to be as comfortable as possible. However, this option is incredibly convenient for groups traveling together!
Depending on the number of people traveling with you, you typically have a choice of several vehicles. For example, you can choose a minivan that can seat up to six people if you have a large group. Otherwise, you can choose a regular car if only a few of you are there.
Due to the reasonable price compared to the benefits you receive, booking a private transfer is popular among tourists!
In just 6 hours, your private driver will pick you up from your precise departure location and drop you off anywhere in Sao Paulo.
So, explore your options and book your ride from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo online today!
How much does a private transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo cost?
A private transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo costs USD 231-USD 388.
- Private transfer up to 3 Passengers (Standard Car): USD 231
- Private transfer up to 6 Passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 281
- Private transfer up to 2 Passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 388
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
3. Flight from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
Journey Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
If you want to avoid the long drive and travel as quickly as possible from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo, we recommend taking a flight.
Catching a plane is the fastest way to get from Rio to Sao Paulo, and although it costs more, it’s surprisingly not that expensive compared to the other options!
The prices for plane tickets usually start at USD 57!
Sao Paulo is 360.5 kilometers or 224 miles away from Rio de Janeiro by air, so it will take about 1 hour and 5 minutes to get there.
Many daily flights are available, making this option accessible and easy! In addition, multiple airports serve Rio, so you have plane options that depart from different points.
But if you decide to take a flight, your only choice is the Economy Flight.
How much does a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo cost?
A flight from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo costs USD 57-USD 68.
Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo Flight Schedule
4. Driving with Rental Car from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
Journey Duration: 6 hours
Finally, if you want a little adventure, you can rent a car in Rio de Janeiro, pick it up, and then drive straight to Sao Paulo!
Brazilian car rental companies offer a wide range of rental vehicles, so you can pick one that suits your needs.
This is a fantastic option for anyone considering a road trip through Brazil or for travelers who prefer to travel with their own tempo. For example, you can travel from Rio to Sao Paulo by car in about 6 hours by stopping at a few spots along the way.
Numerous people, including tourists, regularly take this route without any problems due to the low traffic, easy navigation, and gorgeous scenery!
So weigh your options before making the decision to rent a car and travel by road from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo!

Best day tours in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo?
The fastest way to get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo is by plane. By getting on a flight, you can get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo in only 1 hour and 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo?
The cheapest way to get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo is by bus, with the cheapest ticket costing only USD 18.
How long does driving from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo take?
The drive from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo takes around 6 hours, depending on how many breaks you take along the way.